Columbia Conservatory of Dance

Columbia Conservatory of Dance is a professional ballet school and the official school of South Carolina Ballet. Founded by leaders of South Carolina Ballet, it offers high-quality training rooted in classical tradition and educational excellence. The Conservatory provides disciplined instruction supporting long-term development, musicality, and artistry in a focused studio environment, and is committed to cultivating a lifelong appreciation for dance and preparing students for advanced training and professional opportunities.

The school is located at 1545 Main Street in downtown Columbia, South Carolina 29201.

The organization offers professional dance training including ballet at all levels from Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet through Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Ballet, as well as Technique Classes, Pre-Pointe and Pointe work. Additional offerings include Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, and Repertory/Performance-Based Training. Classes are structured and progressive, organized by age and level with faculty-guided placement. A Day Program provides focused, comprehensive daytime training for advanced students. Summer sessions offer classes from Pre-Ballet through Intermediate/Advanced Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, and Lyrical.

Enrollment is open to new and returning students throughout the academic year, subject to availability. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Conservatory to discuss placement prior to registration.

The organization caters to students at all stages of their dance education, from young children in Creative Movement through advanced students. Classes are organized by age and level, ranging from early childhood foundations through advanced training. The Day Program is available for advanced students by faculty invitation or approval.

The organization prepares students for advanced training and professional opportunities. Faculty members include current South Carolina Ballet dancers, and the school serves as a pathway to the South Carolina Ballet apprentice program and company positions.

Classes follow classical ballet tradition with structured, progressive instruction designed to support long-term development and artistic growth. Training emphasizes foundational technique, terminology, strength, coordination, technical clarity, precision, musicality, and performance readiness. All students are placed by faculty based on age, experience, and training level, with placement adjustments made throughout the year to support healthy progression.

The organization offers Repertory/Performance-Based Training, which consists of select classes focused on learning and refining choreography for performance opportunities.

The school can be contacted at 1545 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201, by phone at (803) 252-0555, or in person during hours Monday through Friday from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM.